Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 140940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 705(@200wpm)___ 564(@250wpm)___ 470(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 140940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 705(@200wpm)___ 564(@250wpm)___ 470(@300wpm)
“And now what do you think?”
I remembered how we moved in the club tonight—fast and on point. He had my back, I had his. There was no one that could have stopped us, even when we ran out of bullets, even when those men kept on coming, coming, and fucking coming.
In fact, I didn’t think anyone could ever end us. . .but us. . .
“Mysh?”
I looked. “I think we’re stronger than ever. Our love is fucking strong as hell. Unstoppable.”
“Finally, you understand.” He ran his fingers through his wet hair. “Heal or not, it will always be us.”
I let out another long breath.
“My only question now, mysh, is what do you think healing is for you at this time?”
“I don’t know, Kaz. Right now. . .all I can think about is Max.” My heart broke a little bit more.
My head went dizzy.
What the fuck?
I shook it.
Suddenly, a thought came to me.
Let me get control.
And, this was not my thought.
It was hers.
I stiffened.
Please.
The room began to close in on me, even the glow of the candles started to feel oppressive.
Plus, this odd sensation crept up from the depths of my being.
At first, it was subtle—a faint tugging at the edges of my consciousness, like a whisper brushing against my mind.
Max needs me.
My breath hitched.
Wait. This is her. . .
I began to further recognize the telltale signs of Lunita’s presence attempting to claw its way to the surface.
Panic surged through me, mingling with the sorrow and grief already weighing heavily on my heart.
No.
I swallowed.
Go back. I. . .understand, but. . .go back.
Still. . .with each passing second, the sensation grew stronger, like a relentless force pressing against the barriers of my mind, threatening to engulf me entirely.
I blinked.
Kaz studied me. “Mysh?”
I tried to nod, to assure him that all was well, but the words caught in my throat. Instead, I clenched my fists and fought against the rising sensation.
Max.
I closed my eyes, seeking solace in the darkness behind my eyelids, but there was no escape.
I know, Lunita. Max is hurt.
Emotionally, I was caught in a fierce battle and struggled to keep Lunita at bay. I fisted my hands within the water.
But, I’ve got it. Trust me, Lunita. I will kill them.
Despite the warmth of the water surrounding me, I felt cold, as if an icy grip had wrapped itself around my heart.
Blood and death! I want it!
Lunita’s presence loomed larger.
I know.
Tears spilled at the corners of my eyes.
I know. . .
Kaz left his side of the tub, heading my way and holding my gaze.
Could he read the turmoil on my face as easily as words on a page?
He moved closer, the water rippling with his movements, bridging the gap between us with a few strong strokes.
Give me control!
Kaz got in front of me, reached out across the water, and took my hands in his. His fingers were warm against my cold hands. “What is wrong?”
The floodgates opened.
“I’m scared, Kaz,” I lowered my voice. “I can’t shake this feeling. . .It’s like I’m losing myself in this and now... now there’s this voice, her voice, trying to take over and. . .part of me wants to give Lunita the reigns. . .”
Kaz’s expression softened. “But, you will not give her control.”
“No.” I gritted my teeth, and my bottom lip quivered.
Slowly, he drew me into his huge arms. His body was a wall of heat against my chilled skin as he held me close, offering not just comfort but solidarity too.
He whispered into my ear, “Breathe, mysh.”
I took a deep breath.
Air shuddered into my lungs as I tried to focus on the here and now.
“We have it, Lunita. We have it.” Kaz landed soft kisses on my forehead, and the icy grip of Lunita’s presence within me began to thaw.
But it didn’t completely recede.
Instead, it morphed, transforming into a throbbing pain that resonated with my own heartache.
I’m sorry.
I closed my eyes.
It is not your fault.
I trembled within Kaz’s hold, unsure if it was Lunita or me.
I should have come out. I didn’t know.
Her sorrow was a revelation, sharp and startling in its clarity.
And it wasn’t foreign.
And it wasn’t an invasion.
It was mine.
No one knew. It isn’t our fault.
Kaz’s embrace tightened around me. In his arms, I found the courage to confront the truth I had been running from. “Can you hear her?”
“Yes. . .she’s hurting.”
“And you are hurting too?”
I kept my eyes closed and leaned against his chest.
Her pain continued to unspool in my core, and it was a pain I had felt many times before. In fact, it was hard to explain, but I truly recognized this feeling, as one that I had experienced so many times.
Was it her those other times? Yes. . .it was her.
I trembled some more.
That pain. . .it came other times. . .so many times. . .her pain. . .inside of my chest. . .in my head. . .in my gut. . .in screams. . .in my tears.